key meaning | definition of key at WebDictionary.co.uk

(adj) serving as an essential component; "a cardinal rule"; "the central cause of the problem"; "an example that was fundamental to the argument"; "computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure"

(noun) metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

something crucial for explaining; "the key to development is economic integration"

pitch of the voice; "he spoke in a low key"

any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music

a kilogram of a narcotic drug; "they were carrying two keys of heroin"

a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple

United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843)

a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida

(basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court; "he hit a jump shot from the top of the key"; "he dominates play in the paint"

a list of answers to a test; "some students had stolen the key to the final exam"

a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations

a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access; "a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it"

mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)

the central building block at the top of an arch or vault

a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed

(verb) identify as in botany or biology, for example

provide with a key; "We were keyed after the locks were changed in the building"

vandalize a car by scratching the sides with a key; "His new Mercedes was keyed last night in the parking lot"

regulate the musical pitch of

harmonize with or adjust to; "key one's actions to the voters' prevailing attitude"

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